ALBANY – Ali Jaques was almost speechless following her first victory as Siena women's basketball head coach.

“It's been a little bit of an emotional week,” she said, following the team's 76-56 victory over Fairleigh Dickinson. “So it's nice to have this one over with and get out with the win.”
 

The Saints (1-0), who only surpassed 70 points five times last season, did so with ease, getting a game-high 19 points from senior Lily Grenci.

“It feels great to get one under the belt,” said Grenci, who also grabbed 12 rebounds.

Clara Sole Anglada added 14 points, while Kate Zarotney finished with 10 points.

“I'm really, really proud of our team tonight,” said Jaques.

Siena was picked seventh in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference preseason poll, which was released Friday evening.

“I don't care where they pick us,” Jaques said. “It just matters where we finish.”

The Saints extended to their largest lead, when Ciara Stewart made two free throws in the final minute, to give the team its final margin of victory.